Students and staff watched an American flag that has traveled around the world to them be raised into place at their school for the first time.

The flag is a gift back from soldiers for the school's ongoing effort to support our troops.

Students at Panorama High School in Panora have now been sending care packages to U.S. soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2002.

Special education teacher Mary Merritt started the effort about 10 years ago.

"It is just a small token that we can do to help somebody to let them know they are not forgotten. I think that is the most important thing," said Merritt.

Merritt and her students along with help from community members have been putting together care packages for different bases in the war zone. They usually send the packages to a base where an Iowa soldier is stationed.

The school recently received a flag that was flown at the headquarters in Camp DehDadi, Afghanistan in 2011. It was sent by Army Commander Christopher Bensen as thanks for the care packages and messages of prayers and support.

"That was really nice. It is nice to know they do appreciate what we are doing," said student Emily Carstens.

The student's council decided the flag should first be raised at the school during the annual Veteran’s Day service.

Area veterans were also part of the ceremony Monday morning.

At the end of the day, the veterans will return to lower the flag for the night.

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